Testosterone
testos-TER-one
Category
Compound type
Phase / Status
Testosterone is an established, medically used hormone therapy for appropriately diagnosed androgen deficiency. Risks and benefits depend on indication, formulation, dose, and monitoring.
Standard Dose
1-2x weekly (injection) or daily (gel)
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route(s)
Intramuscular or Subcutaneous
Research Stage
Regulatory approval granted; post-market monitoring ongoing.
Overview
Testosterone is a hormone that influences muscle, bone, and sexual health. When levels are low, some people experience fatigue, reduced libido, and loss of muscle or bone density. Testosterone replacement (when medically indicated) aims to restore levels toward a normal physiological range.
Plain-language summary
Testosterone is a hormone that influences muscle, bone, and sexual health. When levels are low, some people experience fatigue, reduced libido, and loss of muscle or bone density. Testosterone replacement (when medically indicated) aims to restore levels toward a normal physiological range.
Administration Routes
- Intramuscular
- Subcutaneous
Also known as
Mechanisms
Endogenous androgen hormone that binds to androgen receptors throughout the body. This regulates gene expression and cellular processes involved in muscle maintenance, metabolism, and reproductive function.
Detailed mechanism
Endogenous androgen hormone that binds to androgen receptors to regulate physiological processes including metabolism, tissue repair, and cellular function.
Safety
Side effects
- Possible suppression of fertility while receiving exogenous testosterone
- Potential increase in hematocrit (thicker blood) in some people
- Acne or oily skin in some individuals
- Hair loss in those genetically predisposed
- Fluid retention and blood pressure effects may occur for some
- Gynecomastia risk if estrogenic activity increases
- Sleep apnea may worsen in susceptible individuals
- Cardiovascular risks depend on dose, health status, and monitoring
Reported benefits
- Increased muscle mass and strength (when low testosterone is corrected)
- Improved bone density (in appropriate patients)
- Increased libido and sexual function (in appropriate patients)
- Improvements in energy and mood may occur when deficiency is present
- Reduced body fat distribution may improve in some cases
- Potential recovery support for people with clinically low levels
Safety profile
Testosterone therapy has a well-characterized safety profile when used for appropriate indications with clinician monitoring. Potential risks should be assessed for each individual.
Clinical trials
Clinical research supports the use of testosterone in hypogonadism and related conditions.
Structure
Verified structure
Testosterone
Exact 2D structure can be rendered from a PubChem-backed canonical SMILES string.
- Chemical Formula
- C19H28O2
- Molecular Weight
- 288.42 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 58-22-0
- InChIKey
- MUMGGOZAMZWBJJ-DYKIIFRCSA-N
Stack Context
Stacks with
References
- 1View source
The effects of supraphysiologic doses of testosterone on muscle size and strength in normal men (New England Journal of Medicine)
1996
- 2View source
Effects of testosterone treatment in older men - Testosterone Trials consortium (New England Journal of Medicine)
2016
- 3View source
Testosterone therapy in men with androgen deficiency syndromes: Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism)
2010
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.